With Mahendra Singh Dhoni retiring from International cricket, the search is on for the next wicket keeper of India, opines Vijayhardik. An exclusive for Different Truths.
Former India captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, fondly remembered as Captain Cool for his calming presence, suave wicketkeeping and his unruffled persona, retired from international cricket on August15, 2020.
India went through a procession of wicket-keeper batsmen after Rahul Dravid stopped donning the gloves. Until the long and wavy-haired lad from Ranchi made his debut for the Indian cricket team against Bangladesh at Chittagong. After a slow start, he gained recognition for his six-hitting ability and the helicopter shot.
After a forgettable performance in the 2007 World Cup, Dhoni was handed the captaincy for the inaugural edition of the T20 World Cup. He led the Indian cricket team to victory. This catapulted him into the league of legends. He was a legend in the making. Dhoni was soon rewarded with the captaincy in all formats. Under his captaincy, India became World Champions winning the World Cup in 2011. It was repeated in the ICC Champions Trophy, in 2013. During his tenure, India also became the best Test side in the world.
His retirement has left a colossal void in Indian cricket. The next person to step into the Indian cricket team as a wicketkeeper has a great legacy to uphold. Just stepping into the role of a successful wicket-keeper batsman would be huge boots to fill.
His retirement has left a colossal void in Indian cricket. The next person to step into the Indian cricket team as a wicketkeeper has a great legacy to uphold. Just stepping into the role of a successful wicket-keeper batsman would be huge boots to fill.
Who would be the next wicketkeeper of India? Let us examine the likely candidates.
Rishabh Pant
The swashbuckling southpaw from Delhi has a reputation for making quick runs and clearing stadiums. A member of the current Indian cricket setup, he is touted to take the place vacated by Dhoni. He burst on to the scene with his terrific performances in U-19 World Cup, in 2016. Picked up by Delhi in the IPL, he has continued to dazzle the crowds and befuddle the opponents.
A successful Ranji season where he amassed more than 1000 runs earned him a national call. While he has been great behind the stumps, his batting has not been as consistent as the team would have liked. He is known to throw his wicket away at inopportune moments and his temperament is under scrutiny.
A successful Ranji season where he amassed more than 1000 runs earned him a national call. While he has been great behind the stumps, his batting has not been as consistent as the team would have liked. He is known to throw his wicket away at inopportune moments and his temperament is under scrutiny.
Sanju Samson
A right-handed batsman and wicket-keeper from Kerala, he is hailed as the new star kid on the block. He has proved his mettle with his stellar performance in the IPL for Rajasthan Royals. Consistency and injuries have plagued his career. But with age on his side, will he be the one to replace Dhoni?
Untested on the world stage with a solitary T20 under his belt, it would be a punt the selectors would have to take.
K L Rahul
He is a case a la Rahul Dravid. Hailing from Karnataka, a stylish right-hand bat and gifted with an amazing range of shots, he looked like an option for the wicketkeeper. But he is not a specialist for the position.
Rahul has undertaken duties behind the stumps for his franchise in the IPL, Kings XI Punjab. He has decent work with the gloves. And he has also kept wickets in a few matches for India as well. Would India experiment once again, having a non-specialist wicketkeeper?
Rahul has undertaken duties behind the stumps for his franchise in the IPL, Kings XI Punjab. He has decent work with the gloves. And he has also kept wickets in a few matches for India as well. Would India experiment once again, having a non-specialist wicketkeeper?
While other names such as Dinesh Karthik, Ishan Kishan and Wriddhiman Saha are around the periphery, the players are either looked as replacements or their recent performances have not been enough to make the cut into the limited-overs side.
Photos sourced by the author
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